What is a golf marshal? A golf marshal is an individual hired by the golf club to aid the membership/players with problems they may encounter while playing the game of golf. He wears an identifiable uniform with the club logo on his shirt and cap, as well as a name badge. Usually working two to three days a week, and normally the same shift (morning or afternoon), he, along with the beverage cart personnel, is the only one driving on the course in reverse order.

The marshal’s duties are simple. Keep ALL the golfers happy ALL the time! He’s there to help the golfers have a good experience…every time.  How is this managed? He keeps the beverage cart available, makes sure everyone keeps a steady pace, picks up trash on the course, sees that all members/guests/players are obeying the club rules, checks that all golfers are dressed appropriately, tells the foursome behind another group of golfers not to hit into them…again (if they have done so), keeps children off the cart path, and retrieves lost golf clubs. Ipads, phones, range finders and car keys left “back yonder” are located, late arriving friends are united with their buddies, and golf carts that have lost their power are exchanged for fresh ones…still more ways marshals help the golfers. Most importantly, he helps keep the pros in the golf proshop, where they are needed most.

In exchange for these services, the marshal is often compensated with complimentary employee meals and bottled water, golf at the course, and a top wage of $7.25 with zero chance for increases in pay.

People skills and diplomacy are two ingredients needed to make a good marshal. Another ingredient is that he is/was a golfer and understands the rules of the game and how it’s played. Knowledge of what’s going on with the PGA, LPGA, club, collegiate and youth tournaments helps make for opening conversations with the golfing public. Most important is the relationship one has with the golfers: being friendly, courteous, helpful, and understanding will go a long way towards enjoying your job as a marshal – and keeping it!

On the lighter side – one year after the N.F.L. season was over, the N.F.L. had a golf tournament for its members. A running back from the Tennessee Titans asked if he and his friends could play a practice round. The head pro ok’d it and away they went.  Their first encounter with the marshal was at the 11th tee box. They were having a great time, but the marshal noticed that one of the Titans was wearing jeans. Somehow, the starter had missed that fact! So, the marshal had to be the one to inform him that jeans do not conform to the club rules of dress. The Titan apologized and asked what his options were and was advised. He then asked if the clubhouse had his size in shorts. It did, so he gave the marshal his credit card to go retrieve the pair of shorts. When the marshal returned with them, the Titan “dropped his drawers” right there and slipped on his new shorts. Then he and his buddies went on their way. He was happy, his friends were happy, and the club had a $50 sale!

Another funny situation was when a group of four or five skunks wouldn’t let a golfer near his ball. He flagged the marshal for some help. After a five minute confrontation with the skunks, they went on their way.  And, the golfer completed his play without any stench!

My advice: If you are retired, unable to play golf anymore, and would like a part time job…being a golf marshal is worthwhile. It is interesting, enjoyable and rewarding, besides being a wonderful place to make new friends…and keeps you on the grass!